England and the West Indies squared off in the third T20I of their five-match series at the National Cricket Stadium in St George's Park, Grenada, on Saturday, December 16.
After losing the first two T20Is, it was imperative for England to win the third game to stay afloat in the series. They had their task cut out, having to chase a daunting target of 223. However, an unbeaten century from opener Phil Salt helped the tourists win by seven wickets, with one ball remaining. After being adjudged Player of the Match, the 27-year-old said he felt that a big score was around the corner for him and also praised England skipper Jos Buttler, who scored 51 runs off 34 balls.
"Feels like it has been long time coming. We have been talking about being a match-winner in the group. We tried to get it down 60-70 in the last 5 overs. There is a way to do it. Played it my way. The role with Jos was crucial. He is one of the best in the world," Salt said in the post-match presentation.
Salt scored the third-fastest T20I century for England as he got to the magical three-figure mark off just 51 balls. In the end, he remained unbeaten on 109 off 56 balls, belting four fours and nine sixes. Buttler and Salt gave England a great start as they put on 115 runs inside 12 overs. Buttler and Will Jacks perished in back-to-back overs as the West Indies fought back in the game.
However, Liam Livingstone and Salt formed a 70-run partnership off 34 balls to take England within touching distance of a famous win. When the former was dismissed for an entertaining 18-ball 30, the onus was on Salt to carry his team home. He got an able ally in Harry Brook, who hit a six off the first ball he faced. The away side needed 21 runs from the last over.
Andre Russell was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the West Indies to victory. However, Brook had other ideas as he needed just five balls to take his team to a miraculous victory for the reigning T20 World Cup champions.
Earlier in the day, Nicholas Pooran's 82 off 45 balls and useful contributions from the likes of Shai Hope, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jason Holder helped the West Indies set up the gigantic total. Adil Rashid was the star performer for England with the ball as he finished with figures of 2/32 in four overs. The fourth T20I is scheduled to be held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on Wednesday, December 20.
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